Emilie Meyer
Chicken thigh fillets are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. They are a darker meat, so they are naturally more flavourful and juicy, and they cook in less than half the time it would take in an oven. You can use an air fryer to make chicken thigh fillets that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The skin is also super crispy and locks in moisture, and the bone adds extra flavour to the chicken meat. You can also use boneless chicken thighs, which will reduce the cooking time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chicken thigh fillets, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, baking powder |
| Tools | Air fryer, meat thermometer, paper towels, bowl |
| Preparation | Pat chicken dry, rub in seasoning, place in air fryer |
| Cooking Time | 12 minutes each side, or until golden brown and crispy |
| Cooking Temperature | 375F/190C |
| Internal Temperature | 165F |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right chicken thighs
When it comes to choosing the right chicken thighs for your air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide whether you prefer boneless or bone-in chicken thighs. While boneless thighs are a good option if you're looking for a shorter cooking time, bone-in chicken thighs have their own advantages. The bone adds extra flavour to the meat and makes it harder to overcook or dry out. Bone-in chicken thighs also tend to take longer to cook, which gives you more time to achieve that crispy skin.
Another factor to consider is the skin itself. Chicken thighs with the skin on can be a delicious, flavourful option, and the skin can help lock in moisture during cooking, resulting in juicy meat. If you're looking for extra crispy skin, you can use a secret ingredient: baking powder. Rubbing a small amount of baking powder onto the skin before cooking will raise the pH level, breaking down bonds and resulting in an ultra-crispy texture. However, if you're aiming for a healthier option, you can choose to remove the skin before eating, reducing the overall fat and calorie content of your meal.
When selecting chicken thighs, it's also important to consider the size and quantity that will fit in your air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. A good rule of thumb is to leave some space between each thigh to allow for proper air circulation, which is key to getting that perfect, crispy exterior.
Lastly, when choosing chicken thighs, opt for fresh, good-quality meat from a reliable source. Look for chicken thighs with a firm texture and avoid any with an excessive amount of liquid in the packaging, as this may indicate that they have been previously frozen or are starting to deteriorate. By selecting the right chicken thighs and following the cooking instructions, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and crispy air-fried chicken dish.
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Preparing the chicken
Next, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This will help to ensure that the skin becomes crispy during cooking. If you are using boneless thighs, you can brush the skins with olive oil.
After this, you should season the chicken. You can use a premade spice mix, or make your own. A simple combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning will allow the natural flavours of the chicken to shine. Alternatively, you can add some lemon pepper, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chilli powder for a spicy kick. If you want to guarantee an extra crispy skin, add a dash of baking powder to your spice mix.
Finally, if you are using skin-on chicken thighs, place them skin-side down in the air fryer. If you are using skinless thighs, it doesn't matter which way up they go.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for chicken thigh fillets in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of chicken thigh (boneless or bone-in) and the desired level of crispiness. Bone-in chicken thighs generally take longer to cook than boneless chicken thighs, and achieving a crispy skin may require a longer cooking time.
Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to 375°F/190°C. However, one source suggests a temperature of 400°F/200°C, especially for boneless chicken thighs.
For boneless chicken thigh fillets, the cooking time ranges from 12 to 20 minutes. Some sources recommend cooking for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, and checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. If the chicken is not crispy enough, you can increase the cooking time in 3-minute intervals until the desired crispness is achieved.
For bone-in chicken thigh fillets, the cooking time is generally longer. One source recommends cooking for 15 minutes on the first side and 12 minutes on the second side. Another source suggests 12 minutes on the first side and 8-10 minutes on the second side, with an additional 2 minutes for crispiness. It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the specific air fryer being used.
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Flipping the chicken
To flip the chicken, use kitchen tongs or a spatula to carefully turn each chicken thigh over. It is important to do this gently to avoid splashing hot oil or breaking the chicken skin. After flipping, the skin side should be facing up.
Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of chicken thighs, you may need to flip and cook the chicken in batches. This will ensure that each piece cooks evenly and has enough space to breathe. Aim for a single layer of chicken thighs in the air fryer basket.
The timing of the flip is also crucial. For most recipes, you should flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process. For example, if the total cooking time is 20 minutes, you would flip the chicken after the first 10 minutes. However, some recipes vary, with one source recommending a first-side cooking time of 12 minutes, followed by a second-side cooking time of 6 to 8 minutes.
After flipping the chicken, use a paper towel to pat the skin dry. This will remove any excess moisture and help the skin crisp up during the second round of air frying.
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Serving suggestions
Juicy air-fried chicken thighs with a crispy skin are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
Salads
A simple side salad, crudites, or a three-bean salad are easy to prepare while the chicken cooks in the air fryer. You could also serve the chicken with a big green salad, quinoa salad, or a side of oven-roasted asparagus.
Vegetables
Veggie sides like roasted butternut squash, shredded or roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted green beans, or honey-roasted carrots complement the chicken well.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate-based sides such as mushroom rice, homemade mac and cheese, creamy mashed potatoes, or crispy smashed potatoes (or chilli oil smashed potatoes for a spicy kick) are comforting and delicious.
Soups and Stews
Tomato soup or a spicy stew would be tasty and warming.
Breads
Freshly baked milk bread rolls would be perfect for mopping up any juices.
Other Meats
You could serve the chicken with bacon cooked in the air fryer for a crispy texture with less fat.
Fish
If you're cooking for someone who doesn't eat chicken, salmon fillets cooked in the air fryer are a tasty alternative.
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